Stephen J. Palmisano, architect for City of Buffalo

Stephen Joseph Palmisano, of West Seneca, an architect for the City of Buffalo, died Wednesday in Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. He was 81.

Born in Buffalo, he graduated from Erie County Technical Institute in 1955.

He worked as a draftsman at Fenestra Co. from 1955 to 1965. Later, he became a project architect manager for Cannon Partnership Architect.

In 1973, he received his registered architect license from the University at Buffalo and began working for the city. He designed many well- known projects, including the Buffalo Zoo’s lion and tiger exhibit, swimming pools at Houghton and Cazenovia parks, the senior center at Lincoln Playground, Valley Community Center, John Ulinski Senior Center, ice rinks at Cazenovia and Riverside parks, East Clinton branch library and the South District Police Station.

He retired in 1994.

Mr. Palmisano also served as an associate professor in the construction technology department at Erie Community College from 1973 to 1976.

After retirement, he enjoyed a new career, writing historical and fictional books. Three of his books have been published.